Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-04-08
THE rREA1INen HABIT.
The Tyranny 1t Imposes Upon Some Men
"A Graphic Pen Picture.

Sitting at a little table in the finely fur
nlshed bar" of the Gibson House was n
mlddie,aged handsomely dressed man who
is we'll known in this city. Polite, genial,
and always q gentleman, he has many
friends. but he is somewhat eccentric. and
is noted for having advanced notions on
many things.
AS ne turned the paper he was reading,
while comfortably smoking a cigar, his eve
glanced up and rested for q moment on a
parry. OF men who had Just crossed the
threshold of the door leading from the bill
lard room.
he at once recognized the foremost of
Inc party of three. and again cast his eyes
on the newspaper. and, settling himself
into an easier position, began to read.
The party did not notice the solitary man,
but walked up to the counter, and while
the attendant was filling the orders which
been given by them, the leader of the
trio caught sight of the man sitting in the
rear.
why, hello, Gus! Is that you? Come
n take o drink"
mo, thank you, Henry; I'd rather oe
excused"
"Oh. come on; 1 want to introduce You
to my friends. Come and have something"
Gus" arose gracefully, was introduced,
gfeeted each becomingly, and after q chat
draw, with the remark:
PLEASE excuse me. Henry: some other
time"
No, you don't, old fellow; take a drink.
You must"
but, my dear boy, I don't want any
thing. just had one."
Lake q cigar"
II have mi not half consumed"
Put it in your pocket, then. What's
the use Of taking o shingle from a mans
roof? Come on and join u.s."
Not now; not now; Ill see YOU again."
and Gus attempted to walk away.
Henry was not to be put Off SO. Stepping
briskly q yard or so he took hold of the
arm Of Gus, and good humoredly attempt
ed to restrain him.
Here. now, old boy; come back here.
Don't leave! Have something. Here. bar
keeper, see what my friend wants. Drink
with me, won't you?"
Now. see here, said Gus, Strengthening
himself, while a shade of anger passed ovei
his fine features, as he rather rudely with
drew his urn from the grasp of his i'm
Fortunate friend; II don't want ANYTHING
and l don't intend to take anything. Thai
settles it."
And with a rather stiff bow to the party he
strobe away.
AS his form was lost to view behind the
great swinging doors, Henry took up his
glass rather crestfallen and said: aTha,
fellows q cursed stuck-up snob! Refuse
to drink, eh? Well, it will be a cold day
when I invite him again. Well, boys
here's lookin' at ye."
The party then left the place.
did you see that little rumpus?" asked
q gentleman standing near the cigar stand
10 a young man who approached him from
the direction Of the lunch table.
81 did"
well, Sir, there are few men who hay,
the courage to sit down OH the purel,
American nuisance of ind%iscriminatl
treating It's an abomination, but 8,
general, that scarcely any one dares hop,
for a reform. Ut,
THAT man was right. He didn't want {.
drink Or smoke and he refused. That's all
He didn't refuse because he don't drink
Not ut all. He drinks when he wants to
like the rest of US: and, as you see. he ha,
q cigar in his hand as he went out; bu
this coercion business-this insisting o.
filling you up when you don't want it, O.
the pretenss of being 'social'-don't sui
him, and he let them know it.
Its abominable. "-CinciumaM Tclc
grain.